# Sound-Silencing Restaurants The Acoustics Adjustment System at COMAL is iPad Powered By Vivian Lau | Published 2012-05-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustics-adjustment-system-at-comal References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669863/ex-phish-manager-creates-system-for-shushing-noisy-restaurants) & [comalberkeley](http://www.comalberkeley.com/) Restaurants are all about the experience; the service, the lighting, the decor and even the noise all play a factor in customer satisfaction -- which is why the acoustics adjustment system at COMAL, a Mexican restaurant in Berkeley, has been installed. The system is pricey, coming in at $10,000 - $100,000, but is worth it considering the degree of customizability the high tech contraption offers. Designed by [Meyer Sound Laboratories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meyer-lemon-cream-yogurt1), it is a well-oiled harmony of speakers, subwoofers, microphones and sound-absorbing fabrics allowing sounds to be manipulated via [iPad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikebana-reflections). With a swipe of the hand, different parts of the restaurant can be made to [echo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxxbox-vapor-echo) sounds louder (say, at the bar) while others can be made quieter (like in a private room). Obviously a hefty investment to create the ultimate dining experience, COMAL definitely raises the bar as this concept goes beyond anything a simple restaurant theme could achieve. It will be interesting to see different restaurant innovations in the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Customizable Acoustic Systems:** Restaurants and other venues will continue to invest in high-tech acoustic systems to offer a tailored customer experience. - **Ipad-controlled Environments:** Technology will continue to enable the remote control of various environments, enhancing user control and accessibility. - **Innovative Hospitality:** The hospitality industry will continue to push boundaries with novel concepts that reinvent the traditional restaurant experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Restaurants:** Restaurants will continue investing in technology to provide unique dining experiences that set them apart from competitors. - **Audio Engineering:** The audio engineering industry will see growth as a result of the demand for unique and customizable acoustic systems in hospitality and other venues. - **Interior Design:** Interior design professionals will seek to incorporate cutting-edge technology into designs that enhance user experience in various environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sound-Celebrating Listening Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usm-modular-furniture.md) - [Immersive Listening Home Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-sound.md) - [Dedicated Listening Cafés](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ja-hifi-caf.md) - [Geometric Sound-Dampening Wall Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustic-compositions.md) - [Customizable Acoustic Lighting Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizble-acoustic-lighting-system.md) - [Augmented Reality Dining Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/awaken-your-senses.md) - [Metallic Deconstructed Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silence-please-glow.md) - [Sound-Blocking Office Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/room-phone-booth.md) - [Sensory Stimulation Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasix-table.md)